John Lewis to expand international footprint
John Lewis is to expand its international footprint by opening shop-in-shops in 11 branches of SM department stores and ‘Our Home’ stores in the Philippines.
Due to launch in summer 2015, the departments follow the openings of John Lewis outlets in seven branches of South Korean department store Shinsegae, and the recent announcement that John Lewis departments will launch in three branches of Singapore department store Robinsons.
Situated in SM Retail locations across the Philippines, including in the flagship store Makati and three ‘Our Home’ stores, the sites will span between 300 and 1,000 square feet and will have dedicated staff.
The departments will sell a range of own-brand home products including bed, bath, tableware and home accessories such as candles and photo frames.
The move is part of John Lewis’s strategy to seed its brand with international customers, which includes international delivery to 33 countries through johnlewis.com and a shop in Heathrow’s Terminal 2.
John Lewis managing director Andy Street said the retailer is actively looking for more international partnerships.
He added: “The success of our partnership with Shinsegae has given us the confidence to continue our expansion in the international market. SM Retail and Robinsons are the perfect partners to help bring the John Lewis brand to a new Asian customer base.
“While our move into the Philippines and Singapore will give us access to a new emerging market, our focus for physical expansion remains firmly on the UK, with eight new shops scheduled to open across the country in the next few years.”
